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¡ã Dongbaekdongsan is a Ramsar designated wetland and is regarded as a model for wetland management. Photo courtesy Jeju Special Self-Governing Province |
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is to inject 8.1 billion won in environmental conservation to safeguard Jeju’s environmental assets for 2015.
1.4 billion won will go toward seven eco-tourism projects including Dongbaekdongsan (Seonheul-ri), and Hyodoncheon and Harye-ri, designated by the Ministry of the Environment for their eco-village programs.
Seonheul-ri was the first eco-tourism village in the country and it will link with Hyodoncheon and Harye-ri, designated last year, in providing eco-tourism programs and national wetland week events as well as regular promotional activities through Dongbaekdongsan.
The province will also reassess the conservation status of 18 well-preserved villages and increase interactive eco-tourism programs to boost the local economies and increase community participation.
Gotjawal, oreum and wetland areas will benefit from 3.6 billion won for conservation programs including plans to increase legal protection for gotjawal areas and building educational centers for visitors.
A comprehensive plan for oreum and wetland conservation will also be drawn up.
Due to increasing numbers of wild animals on the slopes of Mt. Hallasan, a 3.1 billion won fund will be available for farmers to compensate for crop and building damage. Farmers will now be eligible for up to 10 million won, up from 5 million won.
It is also hoped a planned roe deer eco park and wildlife rescue center will help manage deer numbers and reduce damage.
Further measures include improving environmental evaluation standards for businesses and tightening up regulations of the private sector.
In a separate fund, the province is using 6 billion won to purchase 60 hectares of gotjawal habitat in Jocheon-eup and Hangyeong-myeon, prioritizing land designated as level one and two preservation zones.
Further purchases will be made in Andeok-myeon and other areas if landowners are interested in selling.
Between 2009 and 2014 the province has spent 28.8 billion won buying 327 hectares of privately-owned gotjawal land. |